FEATURES - December 2014 Publisher Advertising Opportunity Knox Staff
Creative ink Ed Snyder Laura Sanders Jennifer Palalay, Iva Pearlstein, Tracy Whitaker, Kerry Weintraub, Nick Knight, Vanessa Shoenfelt, Michael Steinmacher
3
Dreaming of a Green Season How to bring sustainability to the holidays.
Want to advertise in Opportunity Knox? Call Ed Snyder at (270) 945-2864 or email: edsnyder@opportunityknoxmwr.com
6 Opportunity Knox is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Knox Family and MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.
SAD in December Avoid depression this holiday.
3
The purpose of Opportunity Knox is to provide current information about Fort Knox Family and MWR activities and events and to share ideas that will help readers become educated about Fort Knox Family and MWR activities. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors, and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government or the U.S. Army. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication. Activities and events are subject to change without notice.
10 Decorating on a Dime Low cost Christmas ideas.
Fort Knox Family and MWR Marketing is located at 4248 Bullion Boulevard, Fort Knox, Kentucky. For more information, call (502) 624-3693 or log on to www.KnoxMWR.com.
11 December Calendar of Events
To be removed from our mailing list, please email: steven.l.dennison2.naf@mail.mil
FORT KNOX FAMILY & MWR Our Vision: The Driving Force that builds and sustains the strength of the Total Military Family.
Our Mission: Deliver Flexible, Innovative and Relevant Pro-
10
grams and Services that enable readiness and resiliency to the Total Military Family.
14 Let Your Pet Unwrap the Holiday Gifts for pets.
16 12 Perks of MWR Holiday programs and services MWR offers you.
19 Event Program Guide
14
knoxmwr.com
2
Dreaming of a Green Season By Vanessa Shoenfelt
Decking the halls and giving gifts are traditions during the holiday season. You can keep up with those important traditions while keeping the environment in mind. It is important to keep a sustainability mentality all year long, but especially during the holiday season. From food to wrapping paper scraps, waste can be a big issue this time of year. In fact, according to Vanderbilt University, Americans throw away about 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than any other time of year.
much safer because they don’t get as hot as incandescent lights, which run the risk of combustion or being hot to the touch.
It is prevalent in most stores months ahead of time that decorating is one of the first tasks that people tackle. And when decorating comes to mind, so does the omnipresent Christmas tree. While at first thought it might not seem very eco-friendly to use a real tree, there are actually many reasons why it is advantageous for the environment. When Christmas trees are a crop plant (as most are) the farm will plant a new tree for every tree that is cut. There is always the option to decorate a live, potted tree that is native to the area and then plant it once the holidays are over. If you plan to cut your own or buy a pre-cut tree, curb the habit to toss it to the curb. Instead, check your area for recycling opportunities. There are many opportunities around to have your tree chipped into mulch or maybe even used as a fish habitat in a nearby lake.
There are also ways you can save money and resources on the items under the tree or in the stockings hanging nearby. Gift creativity can be appreciated just as much as the gift itself. There are plenty of thoughtful and “green” gifts. For example, gift certificates for services/events (house or car cleaning, babysitting, meals, concerts, etc.) increase the chance that a gift will be put to use instead of being used and eventually ending up in a landfill. You can pass on the sustainable state of mind to your family and friends by gifting items such as water bottles, reusable shopping bags or grow-your-own herbs kit. When wrapping up these gifts, consider repurposing those newspapers lying around. The “funnies” or comics section always make a great colorful wrapper. As said by Vanderbilt University, if every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. Cloth bags or reusable baskets are other great options to wrapping your presents; not only are they pretty, but the recipient can also use it throughout the year.
Whether you decide on a live tree or an artificial tree, be sure to string up LED lights. Not only will LED lights brighten up your home, but they will save time and money by consuming less energy and lasting longer than traditional holiday light strings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, over a period of 10 holiday seasons, the cost of buying and operating the popular mini-lights would be more than $55 if using incandescent lights versus $33 if using LED lights. Another way the Department of Energy describes it is if you light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days, it would cost $2.74 if using incandescent lights or $0.82 if using LED lights. If that isn’t enough, LED lights are
3
If you’re growing tired of your usual tree décor, consider hosting an ornament swap with your friends. Without tossing your old ornaments or spending money on new ones, you can exchange your ornaments and have a “new” tree this year.
However you celebrate this season, please keep the gift of a healthy enviroment in mind while partaking in the celebrations.
SAD in December? By Iva Pearlstein
December is not only a month in which joyous holidays are celebrated, it is also when the winter solstice occurs. This is the day of the year when the midday sun is at its lowest point and hours of daylight are the fewest. Although ‘tis the season to be jolly, an estimated 15% of the population suffer during this time from some form of depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by shortened exposure to daylight. Those suffering from SAD usually experience the start of their symptoms in the late fall, becoming anxious, irritable, sad, and tired. Avoiding friends and social events is another indicator of SAD along with physical symptoms of overeating and excessive sleep. Left untreated it can become very serious with suicide a possibility. Light therapy can be effective in reversing the SAD mood, however the type as well as the duration of light is pivotal in the success of the treatment. Professional help is recommended for proper diagnosis and support. Although December is the time we expect holiday cheer to make us feel good, sometimes the opposite happens. Dr. Prudence Zollinger, a Family Advocacy Clinician with the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), relates, “A lot of people are unhappy with the prospect of going home and having to deal with unfinished business.” She offers this suggestion for coping, “Write a letter to yourself clarifying issues and what you are dreading.” If the thought of going back home and spending time with relatives is causing depression, Dr. Zollinger suggests seeking counseling.
and festive meals. Added to a regular job and familial obligations, this can cause enormous stress and lead to depression. Simplifying traditions and focusing on those less fortunate can be beneficial. In general, any form of depression is not to be taken lightly. Symptoms to watch for include: sadness, over/under eating, too much/too little sleep, lack of energy, irritability, trouble concentrating, and feeling bad about yourself. The extreme feeling of thinking it would be better if you were dead is also caused by depression. Dr. Zollinger advises, “If a person experiences symptoms every day for two weeks, it's time to see a medical provider!” She mentions medication can help someone get through the rough times but emphasizes, “Don't take anything without medical supervision and follow the instructions with the prescription exactly.” Lisa Stewart, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and FAP Manager for Army Community Service (ACS), confirms these thoughts and recommends, “See a specialist in the mental health field.” There might even be help or counseling available through the workplace. Stewart urges those feeling depressed to seek out information and to ask for help when they need it! Sources: Dr. Prudence Zollinger, Ph.D. Social Work, Family Advocacy Clinician Family Advocacy Program (FAP) CIV US ARMY MEDCOM NRMC (US) (502) 626-6196 Lisa Stewart, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), FAP Manager Army Community Service (ACS), U.S. Army FMWR-Fort Knox (502) 624-4528
Advance planning on how to take care of yourself during this busy time is important. Make sure sleep, exercise, and good nutrition are www.healthyresources.com/sleep/magazines/sleepwell/sad part of your holiday routine. Also important for managing holiday www.psychologytoday.com/blog/chronotherapy/201212/winter-solstice-winter-doldrums depression is not striving for perfection with decorations, gift giving www.webmd.com/depression/features/25-ways-find-joy-balance-during-holidays knoxmwr.com
6
Decorating on a Dime By Kerry Weintraub
Want new holiday decorations but don’t want to spend alot of money? There are plenty of ways to make your home festive for the holidays while saving money for items on your gift list. Homemade decorations can be fun, easy, and fairly inexpensive with the added bonus of quality family time if you get everyone involved. Before you even think of hitting up the stores for décor, make sure you go through the holiday items you already have in your own inventory at home. Many of these items can easily be repurposed, and sometimes the repurposing can be as easy as taking a can of spray paint to it. Here are just a few ideas of things you can do to decorate your home this holiday with little to no cost. • • • • •
•
String some popcorn or pinecones on a fishing line to wrap around your tree instead of buying garland or tinsel. Create pops of color and festivity throughout your home by attaching merry wrapping paper to your cupboard door or room door panels. Make memories and decorations by using your child’s hand and foot prints to make mistletoe, Santa or a reindeer. Or spend an afternoon constructing and decorating a gingerbread house together. Candy cane reindeer are always a hit and low in cost. All you need is candy canes, brown pipe cleaners, eyes and glue. If you want a green wreath to spruce up a door or mirror but don’t want the hassle or price that comes with a real evergreen wreath, this next idea is perfect for you. Paint old clothespins green, attach around a painted red embroidery ring (less than $5 at most craft stores depending on the size) and string up with a nice red ribbon. Have old outdoor holiday bulbs that no longer work? Fill a clear vase or candy jar for a fun table or mantel decoration. You could even fill the vase or jar up with pinecones, candy canes, Christmas bows or old ornaments. • Display those cute decorations that your children bring home from school and are so proud to display. • Let yours and your child’s imagination go and make your own decorations, you would be surprised with the simple ideas you can come up with. Even a simple walk outdoors can spark creativity and provide the supplies for your next craft. • At the end of the holiday season, check out the clearance sections and stock up for next year. You would be surprised with what you can find at extremely low prices. • If you plan to enjoy some spirits while getting into the holiday spirit, save your empty wine bottles as they have the perfect shape for a snowman, Santa or reindeer craft. Just paint one white for the snowman, red for Santa and brown for the reindeer before adding corresponding accessories. There are many holiday-inspired sources out there. Visit any of these sites to get your home filled with cheerful, holiday décor. • www.craftjr.com/easy-christmas-handprint-crafts • www.themotherhuddle.com/christmas-handprint-crafts • www.favecrafts.com/Ornaments/31-Simple-Homemade-Christmas-Ornaments • www.rd.com/slideshows/cheap-christmas-decorations
knoxmwr.com
10
Let Your Pet Unwrap the Holidays
By Vanessa Shoenfelt
More and more pets are becoming furry members of our Families, to the point where Fido probably even has his own little stocking hung up on the mantle. Fill up your pet’s stocking with gifts from the heart that won’t break your budget. Here are some quick and simple gifts to give to your furry friend this holiday season.
4 months in the freezer. But it’s unlikely that your pup won’t eat them all before then! And sweet potatoes aren’t the only treats you can dehydrate; there are scores of foods from green beans to chicken breasts to bananas. You’ll easily find something that your dog will enjoy!
Dogs love eating. There is no simpler way to say it. The (Source: Modern Dog magazine) way to most dogs’ heart is through their stomach. With just one ingredient, this VERY easy recipe will please If you have a cat, this easy do-it-yourself toy is right up your alley. Every house has a “sock monster” that has a even the pickiest palate. habit of stealing socks and leaving you several with no matches. Use those extra socks to make a sock fish (or Sweet Potato Chews four) in minutes that will keep your kitty busy for hours. • Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Sock Fish
• •
•
Scrub the sweet potato or yam. No need to peel. Cut it into thin slices (the thinner the slice the shorter the cooking time) and place on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 3 hours for slightly chewy treats, or bake a little longer for crunchy treats. Timing will vary according to the thickness of the slices, so keep an eye on them.
Note: These work great in a dehydrator as well. These treats will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to knoxmwr.com
•
Using a rolled up piece of paper as a funnel, fill the sock about halfway with catnip.
•
Knot the sock just above the filling.
•
Cut out eyes and a mouth from a piece of felt and attach to sock with nontoxic fabric glue.
Note: This works great with child-sized socks. (Source: Martha Stewart Kids)
14
The 12 Perks of MWR: Holiday Programs and Services MWR Offers to You By Tracy Whitaker
Most everyone is familiar with the popular holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” On the surface, it appears to be a delightful nonsensical rhyme set to music. However, Dennis Bratcher of the Christian Resource Institute states, “Some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction, perhaps dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters.” The “Twelve Days of Christmas” first appeared in a children’s book titled, Mirth Without Mischief by Niky Rathbone in England in 1780. While there are no hidden meanings in our programs and services, MWR wants to highlight 12 perks we offer you during this holiday season and all year round! The First perk MWR offers to you: A New Mobile App (free download in App Store or Google Play) The Second perk MWR offers to you: Two Santa Visits at MWR The Third perk MWR offers to you: Three playgrounds at Kilianski Sports Park The Fourth perk MWR offers to you: Four Physical Fitness Centers The Fifth perk MWR offers to you: Five annual races in the Fort Knox Race Series The Sixth perk MWR offers to you: Six ranch cabins at Camp Carlson The Seventh perk MWR offers to you: Seven delicious MWR dining options (Saber & Quill, Landing Zone, Houston Bowling Center Strike Zone, Lindsey Grill at the Lindsey Golf Course, Mooserack Coffee Co. inside Barr Memorial Library, Lee’s China Bistro, and the HRC Café)
knoxmwr.com
The Eighth perk MWR offers to you: Eight Youth Sports & Fitness programs offered throughout the year The Ninth perk MWR offers to you: Nine boats to rent at the Outdoor Equipment Checkout The Tenth perk MWR offers to you: Ten Army Community Service (ACS) programs and services The Eleventh perk MWR offers to you: Eleven Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS) programs The Twelfth perk MWR offers to you: Twelve Days of Giveaways at Barr Memorial Library Visit www.knoxmwr.com to find a complete listing of all the events, programs and services available to you!
16
19
20